CEDARVILLE/ILION, N.Y. — Earl R. Alexander, 75, passed away in Ticonderoga, N.Y., on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, after suffering a long illness. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his devoted daughter, Debra, and the loving staff of Inter Lakes Health Center Patriot Unit.

Earl was born in Rutland, Vt., the son of Earl M. and Amelia (Ciccarelli) Alexander. He was born at home on June 12, 1937, and was one of several children. His brothers, Cleo, Arthur, Bernard and Robert, are all still in the Rutland area. His sister, Marie Graham, is also in Rutland. He also has a sister, Dorothy Luleck, of Swanton, Vt.

He joined the U.S. Army at a young age, was sent overseas and served our country well. He was honorably discharged in July of 1962. Earl married Dorothy Fontaine in November 1959. They had five children, Earl Jr., Debbie, Tina, Tammie and Daniel. Although they later divorced, they remained friends for the rest of his life. He met and married Marie Taylor in October 1971. His in-laws were a wonderful blessing in his life.

Earl worked as a foundry worker and a truck driver in Rutland, Vt. He then worked at Remington Gun Co. until his retirement.

He enjoyed many cookouts, weddings and gambling at the Turning Stone Casino, and had many stories to tell. He became an amazing volunteer and cooked many charity dinners. He was often seen cooking turkeys in the kitchen for Catholic Charities. He often gave Marie a hand delivering Meals on Wheels. His dear wife, Marie, passed away on July 16, 2006. Earl’s heart was broken.

His favorite pastime, however, was working at the Joseph Berberich Hose Company in Cedarville. He was a part of the Fire/Police Division. He did this for the better part of 30 years and considered the men there his family. He also recognized the sacrifice of all the women who supported the guys. At the annual banquets, he made sure they all had flowers as a small token of their hard work, as well. He would say, “Putting up with smelly men who left at all times of the day and night, coming home with the worst of the worst dirty clothes.” His volunteerism was rewarded when he won Senior Citizen of the Year for Herkimer County in 2005. He also was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2006.

Earl is survived by many family members, in-laws and dear friends, especially Mark Nelson, who has been and continues to be a tremendous support to Debra. He will be deeply missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, May 13, 2013, from 3 until 5 p.m. at Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion (town of Frankfort), 315-894-8000. His funeral will follow at 5 p.m., conducted by pastor Rick Waite, at the funeral home. We will then proceed to the gazebo at the Herkimer Diamond Mines, Middleville, N.Y., where full military honors will be accorded. Interment will take place at Cedarville Cemetery at a date to be announced, at which time his firehouse family will carry him to his final resting place, next to his beloved Marie.

Earl’s family has suggested that those wishing may make a donation in his memory to his much-loved Cedarville Fire Department, 960 State Route 51, Ilion, NY 13357.